I’m one of those who wait with bated breath for the end of May… Not only because it means my summer European getaway is around the corner, but also because I am one of the lucky ones who get ‘that call’… Julie from EMILIO PUCCI on Worth Avenue knows I drool every time I walk by the boutique, praying that come May, those preferred pieces will be there.

EMILIO PUCCI‘s annual summer sale (50% off 2016 Spring and Summer) is officially happening as I write this! I’ve gone twice and, yes, I feel a little guilty, but I just couldn’t resist…

My favorites: The cropped bell bottoms in royal blue or mosaic pattern featured above in cotton (very retro! I opted for the mosaic after much deliberation with every client who walked in); scalloped printed shorts which make your thighs look slim; fabulous one-pieces(I’ve decided to go with one pieces these days…); the one thing I LOVED and didn’t get– a whimsical chiffon dress which could do double duty as summer night and formal wear.

I’ve since repacked my suitcase for a long weekend birthday celebration in St. Barth’s this week, My suitcase is more colorful and I am so much happier!!

This particular collection is not only for PUCCI-lovers– but it is for those who appreciate fashion, good taste and value, and definitely for those of us who remember certain icons… Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot and embrace that bit of nostalgia…

I don’t have enough space here to tell you about their fabulous beach bags, patterned espadrilles and screaming fashion sandals… you have to witness for yourselves!

Having heard from a friend how spectacular Umbria was, I was eager to find out what specifically made it an unforgettable destination– UMBRIA Jazz Festival. For 10 days and nights, (July 8th-17th) the sweet sound of jazz music can be heard throughout the medieval city of Perugiaand the hills of Umbria come alive with the sound of music.

Since 1973, the festival has been a huge attraction every summer and hosts some of the most amazing Jazz musicians around. Artists such as Miles Davis, B.B King, and Elton John have performed. This year, from July 8-17, the festival’s lineup will be just as amazing. The majority of performances taking place under the stars at the open-air Arena Santa Giuliana, while others happen within the gilded walls of Teatro Morlacchi,

Who’s Playing at the 2016 Umbria Jazz Festival?

In past years, the Umbria Jazz Festival has attracted the likes of musical legends such as Miles Davis, B.B. King, Dizzy Gillespie, and even Elton John. The 2016 festival is no different — if you’re planning on traveling to Umbria this summer, prepare yourself for this impressive lineup:

The program and number of participating artists may change as it gets closer to the festival. There are many, many more performances over the course of the ten days – smaller, free events all throughout town – but the artists listed above perform in the evening hours and are considered to be the main event of each day.

WHERE TO STAY..

Perugia can get very busy during the Umbria Jazz Festival and hotels, inns and villas can book up quickly. Personally I appreciate the privilege of venturing into the historic city centers for exceptional jazz, then being able to retreat to the countryside to soak up the peace and beauty of Umbria.

Whether I’m traveling to the Caribbean or Europe, I like the space and privacy that a private villa offers. My friends at WIMCO Villas represent dozens of private villas with pools in Umbria and Tuscany – contact them at 1-800-449-1553 to ask for suggestions. They’ll set up your flights, rental cars and even private chefs and vineyard tours.

On my bucket list is a 9 bedroom villa I would like to fill with 8 friends/couples! Only 6 miles from Perugia and less than 14 from one of my favorite historical towns, and birthplace of St. Francis,Assisi, the villa offers horseback riding, golfing, restaurants, food shops, and even hot air balloon ride nearby.

https://altimapalmbeach.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/todi-umbria-italy.jpg4801170altimahttps://altimapalmbeach.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/logo6.pngaltima2016-05-20 20:57:542018-03-20 09:25:28The 2016 UMBRIA Jazz Festival: Big Name Performers, what to Expect, and where to Stay

Several former Palm Beachers recently returned to the Island and inquired as to what happened to all of the stray cats that used to gather outside restaurants begging for scraps and keep residents awake at night with their mating rituals.

While greatly reduced in numbers, rest assured that Palm Beach’s furriest residents are still on the island. Thanks to the efforts of Palm Beach Island Cats, the town’s cats are less of a nuisance and more of a plus. Since humane management began in 2010 by Palm Beach Island Cats, the island’s stray cat population has been significantly reduced from over 750 to less than 550. The cats which help shrink the rodent population on the island, live in well-managed colonies where they are fed, watered, and cared for by Palm Beach Island Cats.

The program which currently receives no government funding, and operates with a staff of volunteers has been held up as an example to other municipalities across the country for effective and humane treatment of homeless cats who are in need of compassionate care. Through no fault of their own, these cats have been abandoned and left to fend for themselves which most often leads to more cats. Spring is typically Kitten Season, however due to the ongoing neutering efforts by Palm Beach Island Cats, each year this has been less impactful in Palm Beach. (Cats can reproduce when they are as young as 4 to 6 months old.)

Seventy percent of cats entering shelters are killed, and that number jumps to nearly 100% of feral cats and kittens. That’s why the Trap/Neuter/Release efforts of Palm Beach Island Cats is effective as well as humane.

Back by popular demand, June 5, 2016 will signal the return of Meat Market’s wildly popular Signature Steak Sunday. Every Sunday this summer, you can enjoy a selection of Signature Steaks at half price. Options include 16 ounce Chicago Prime New York (full or half); 12 ounce filet mignon (full or half); 16 ounce Prime Ribeye; the Meat Market steak – 16 ounce Prime Picanha with Habanero Chimichurri (full or half); or the Creative Steak of the Day.

My favorite is the prime rib-eye topped with either seared foie-gras or roasted prime bone marrow….. but of course you can choose from other succulent additions such as a 6 ounce lobster tail; Oscar-style with blue crab and béarnaise; and black truffle butter. Signature Steak Sunday will be offered to guests in the dining room, as well as those sitting at the bar and lounge. Not to be combined with any other offers and not available for to-go orders.

The exhibition was completely sold out by the end of Ms. Saad’s well-attended opening reception, as collectors snapped up every one of the photographic works from her first solo show.

“Pieces being exhibited in what has been the most robust collection of student works The Gallery at Center for Creative Education has exhibited to-date. With varying levels of artistic merit, the artworks and opening reception were well received by art aficionados and casual collectors alike with the stamp of approval being the sold out works by Isabel Saad.” Jonathon Ortiz-Smykla, Gallery Manager, The Gallery at Center for Creative Education

Isabel Saad, who currently is a photography and English literature major at the prestigious New School of the Parsons School of Design in New York City, has had a strong interest in photography for a number of years. This interest developed into a recognized style, quite often influenced by her discoveries and documentation of urban street activities, from department store windows to pedestrians passing provocative billboards and advertisements. Some of her works concentrate on self-portraiture and other figurative representations, which can elicit a mysterious and pensive depiction.

In some examples, Ms. Saad can appropriate an historical or theatrical connection, such as her Red Shoes composition that seems to connect with Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. In others, the photographer examines the unusual aesthetics of emptiness, such as an empty classroom where vacant tables and chairs take advantage of shadows and natural light, set up an unexpected minimal composition that is surprising and memorable.

Isabel Saad, who at a young age has lived in and traveled across two continents, has developed an interest not only in photography but in film making, drawing and design, creative writing and acting. She has taken courses at Phillips Andover Academy, Cambridge University, New York Film Academy, Bard College at Simon’s Rock and the Boca Raton Museum of Art School, among others.

In addition to her exhibit, The Gallery at CCE is showing photographs of Dreyfoos School students who major in photography and the work of Lot23 students.

The exhibition is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00am – 5:00pm and continues through May 27th.

The Center for Creative Education (CCE) is located at 425 24th Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.